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2015 August bank holiday breaks

When the summer's in its dying throes and the kids are back at school, memories of your sunshine holiday are but a distant memory. We’ve all been there: that flicker of sadness that normality has resumed, and the cold bite of autumn just around the corner. Then comes the bank holiday – a fleeting respite that affords you some extra time away from work to take the edge off it all. In the interests of both time and money, it's only prudent that you don’t stray too far from home; but that doesn’t mean that you can’t reap the benefits.

Make the most of the year’s final bank holiday

To help you narrow down the options for your August bank holiday (it falls on Monday 25 in 2014), we’ve put together a brief list of suggestions. Whether you choose one of our destinations or somewhere you've long had in mind, HomeAway is always on hand with a wide range of rental accommodation to choose from.

Enjoy an August bank holiday in Edinburgh

It may not be the most sun-kissed option – although in Scotland you can simply never tell – but for a short visit, Edinburgh is as fine a city as any in the world. The old cobbled street that is the Royal Mile is virtually an open-air museum, reaching towards the world-famous castle which stands guard over Auld Reekie. Jump in either a car or a train and head towards Fife across one of the Forth bridges, arguably the finest architectural landmarks in the entire country. Of course, the main attraction on this weekend will be the end of the Fringe Festival.

Enjoy an August bank holiday in Paris

It’s just a hop, skip and jump away by rail and plane, but Parisian culture could scarcely be more different from that of its UK neighbours. The perfect bank holiday getaway, particularly if you’re travelling with a partner, the City of Love exudes romance at every corner. On a short stay it would be criminal not to check out the more prominent attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the extensive collections of the Louvre.

Enjoy an August bank holiday in Amsterdam

The Dutch capital has developed a great reputation over the years for its colourful nightlife, but away from the party scene lies many other aspects that make this picturesque city so fascinating. Go native by hiring a bike and cycling alongside the famous canals, or if you prefer, see them by boat instead. Beer lovers will not want to miss the Heineken experience, whilst the Anne Frank Museum is a tear-jerking but historically important place to witness.

Enjoy an August bank holiday in Bruges

Despite the bleak opinions held by the film’s main character, the release of In Bruges has triggered a tourist boom in the city over the past few years. Thankfully, the whining gangster portrayed by Colin Farrell had it all wrong – Bruges is in truth a beautiful and culturally thriving Belgian hub. An ascent of the historic old Belfry Tower, which dominates the skyline, is a must, as is a dose of people watching in the same Grote Markt Square.

Enjoy an August bank holiday in Dublin

Many people are put off a trip to Dublin because of the increasingly undesirable prices involved; but over the course of a short bank holiday visit, you won’t blow apart your budget. First stop for most tourists is typically the wonderfully comprehensive Guinness Storehouse, whetting your appetite for the black stuff before heading to the always effervescent pubs of Temple Bar to soak up the atmosphere. Phoenix Park is a beautiful place to spend the day if the sun is out, but the much lauded zoo is an enjoyable outing in any weather.